In today's first reading from the book of Kings we experience the transfer of the Ark of the covenant from the tent of dwelling to the Temple commissioned by King David though built by King Solomon.
It is quite a celebration and solemn possession.
It mirrors when Kind David brought the ark into Jerusalem for the first time.
"KIng Solomon and the entire community of Israel present for the occasion sacrificed before the ark steep and oxen too many to number. The priest brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place beneath the wings of the Cherubim in the sanctuary, the holy of holies of the temple…"
A grand possession and celebration in deed.
God remained with his chosen people; he has always desired to journey with them whether it be in tribal association or settled urban as a nation or even a kingdom. God remained present. God traveled with them.
God is never distant, disinterested, or disengaged. He is always with and for his people.
The Ark represents the indwelling of God in the mist of his people. It is very much a sacramental presence: it can be seen, touched, experienced in the flesh.
This of course is a preja vu for Jesus, the incarnation of God, who dwells among us as St. John's gospel points out so clearly.
We get that in today's gospel. Jesus, the son of God, is with his people. He allow himself to be touched, "they begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed."
God travels with us. God wants to be experienced in a sensible way. God makes himself available to us every day throughout the journey.
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